BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS

Subject: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:08 PM

We did it! I cannot describe what joy and pride i am feeling, right now, for our country and its citizens who, this day, wrote History by electing Barack Obama for President! Oh, Happy Day!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:10 PM

Hope...

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:15 PM

Among other things, I feel an incredible sense of relief!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: Maryrrf
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:15 PM

I'm grinning from ear to ear!!!!! And Virginia went for Obama - I'm happy and proud!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:16 PM

breathing again

what a glorious night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:16 PM

YEP! bob

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: CarolC
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:18 PM

A massive, ugly, dark cloud that has been hovering over this country for eight years is now dissipating.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:18 PM

So far North Carolina is almost dead even.

It's my friend Lonnie's fault. He voted McCain.


Oh yeah.....


WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:20 PM

I posted this on another thread but it fits here as well............

While I feel the party comin' on my mind can't help but be overwhelmed at the monumental change that has taken place.

Obama is President.

Forty-five years ago, 4 little girls were killed by a KKK bombing of the 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham. Somehow I can't help but think of that now and the first song that went through my head was Richard Farina's "Birmingham Sunday."

Come round by my side and I'll sing you a song.
I'll sing it so softly, it'll do no one wrong.
On Birmingham Sunday the blood ran like wine,
And the choirs kept singing of Freedom.
That cold autumn morning no eyes saw the sun,
And Addie Mae Collins, her number was one.
At an old Baptist church there was no need to run.
And the choirs kept singing of Freedom,

The clouds they were grey and the autumn winds blew,
And Denise McNair brought the number to two.
The falcon of death was a creature they knew,
And the choirs kept singing of Freedom,

The church it was crowded, but no one could see
That Cynthia Wesley's dark number was three.
Her prayers and her feelings would shame you and me.
And the choirs kept singing of Freedom.

Young Carol Robertson entered the door
And the number her killers had given was four.
She asked for a blessing but asked for no more,
And the choirs kept singing of Freedom.

On Birmingham Sunday a noise shook the ground.
And people all over the earth turned around.
For no one recalled a more cowardly sound.
And the choirs kept singing of Freedom.

The men in the forest they once asked of me,
How many black berries grew in the Blue Sea.
And I asked them right with a tear in my eye.
How many dark ships in the forest?

The Sunday has come and the Sunday has gone.
And I can't do much more than to sing you a song.
I'll sing it so softly, it'll do no one wrong.
And the choirs keep singing of Freedom.

Tonight we can still sing of freedom but now loudly and with feeling as this country has passed a great milestone in its history. William Sloane Coffin said that to be an American patriot was "to have a love/hate affair with your country." Many times I feel as James Kunen felt when he said, "America.....I love what it could be; I hate what it is."

At least for now and in this moment.....I love what it is.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!
From: Neil D
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:23 PM

McCain's conceding!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
            squared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:31 PM

McCain is giving a gracious and comprehensive concession speech. Good for him.

Palin was very close to tears, but I'm sure this isn't the last of her. She'll go back to Alaska and think about this, and possibly re-invent herself. That's another story for another day.

We toasted Obama with a glass of wine and will wait for his speech before heading to bed.

As someone said on one of the NPR talk shows earlier today, Christmas is in November this year!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:35 PM

I know that other countries around the world have been watching this election very carefully and with great interest. I think we may have just indicated that this country might actually be civilized after all!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:40 PM

The American public will need to get behind him now. He'll need all the help he can get.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:44 PM

That guest post above is JtS.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:44 PM

"I think we may have just indicated that this country might actually be civilized after all!"

Yup, you sure have! :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:45 PM

Spaw/Pat, thank you for that eloquence, your own and the song. My heart is so full right now.

McCain's speech was very gracious. I am glad of that, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:45 PM

Yes, we DID IT! And that ba*****rd McCain STILL lied in his concession speech. We'll see the 'End of the Known World' when Wyoming actually goes Democrat. Came close with Ohio!


But, by GEORGE, we DID IT!



PS...why do they keep referring to him as an African American? He is 'mixed race'.    What ever works, I guess.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:48 PM

**tears**...I didn't know....till I saw the crowd cheering...and tears on the face of Jesse Jackson and the words of John Lewis...how I had been holding it all in.

So many years....

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: irishenglish
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:51 PM

I whooped. I screamed out the apartment window simultaneously with my wife and neighbors. I toasted with champagne. I kissed and hugged my wife. ANd then, the scope of it all came in, the emotion. And I'm sitting here fighting back tears despite being overjoyed! I'm proud of my country. I'm proud of the winner, I'm touched by McCain's concession. I'm just proud and happy. I can say no more.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: C. Ham
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:52 PM

A great day for America and for the world!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Melissa
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:56 PM

I knew I cared about this election but I didn't expect to get so riled up as the results were coming in..
Hooray for us!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Pseudolus
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:58 PM

I made the bold prediction when I was in my 30's that I would not live to see a black man elected as president of the United States. I said it not because I wouldn't vote for a man or a woman of color but my faith in my country did not exist. And I did not believe that we could possibly end the bigotry long enough to see the man or woman and not the color of his/her skin. I have been wrong before in my lifetime with bold predictions but I have never been so happy to be wrong as I am tonight....And it only took til I was 50!!!

Life is good,
Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,melinda
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:04 AM

I'm so relieved - now Americans can go abroad without having to pretend they're Canadians!
Yes, Virginia (and yes, Ohio) there is a Santa Claus, and he came early this year!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CamiSu
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:05 AM

My son is working for Obama in Colorado. I called him as soon as Colorado was called. He just yelled into the phone. I have been yelling all night. The 2 exchange students do understand...really! I'm so giddy!

I was more than a bit disgusted with the supporters that insisted on booing. And I am really nervous about that very dangerous governor of Alaska....

But right now I just cannot stop grinning. Just wish my husband was around to see this. He SO much wanted this.

Happy!!!!!!!!!!!

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:08 AM

CAMISU!!!! Where have you been old friend? I have missed you!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:19 AM

Well, Barak Obama has just finished his amazing speech.

And an Age of Dignity and Integrity has come to America, at long last.

WHAT a Leader you now have.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CamiSu
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:22 AM

Long Story. Hosting and supporting about 30 exchange students, marrying of Lady Wavestar, taking care of my husband while he died the last 2 years (he died in February). Now I am just trying to manage the carpentry, the farm, and his business. Oh, and 2 exchange students moved in last Friday, until we find them new homes. Great kids, but I am not organized enough to host right now, and really want some time to sort stuff out...

I've missed everyone here, and you in particular Spaw!

*BIG hug*

CamiSu

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:22 AM

Just saw Jesse Jackson trying unsucessfully to hold back tears..............unreal night.

To bring this thread back to a lighter note.....Michelle Obama is the best looking First Lady we've had since Jackie and frankly more natural and warm then Jackie, who always seemed to look a bit vacant.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: artbrooks
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:25 AM

Jesse and me both.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Goose Gander
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:27 AM

The whole world breathes a collective sigh of relief . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:40 AM

Cami-Sue, good for you and your son!!

BillD, I don't think any of us realise how much we have been holding in, but esp. those of you who were so much a part of the Civil Rights movement; Jesse's tears were so eloquent. What a moment. What history! And, we are part of it!!

Here's that fantastic speech (I could *hear* the Henry V soliloquy at Agincourt - stirred the same emotions and more!)

Sen. Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech in Chicago, Ill.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics ¿ you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
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Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:40 AM

We are very blessed to have a leader like Barack Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:46 AM

Hallelujah!!! And what a job he's got ahead of him. But he has made me believe that he's up to it. I had tears on my cheeks as he spoke, tears of pride, relief, and hope.
An unbelievable night for this country.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: frogprince
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:46 AM

I've been just sitting here, trying to find some way to express how good I feel right now...

There aren't many people for whom my feelings have been as dramatically mixed as for Jesse Jackson. But seeing him tonight with that expression, and the tears flowing, I could have hugged him big time.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:58 AM

This is a moment of unprecedented, amazing, soaring importance in our national history. The good people, those who believed in compassion, in unification, in healing and in finding common strengths instead of the weakness of division, have prevailed for the nation.

America has stunned itself, for just a moment, in the renewed discovery of what she stands for and the hope she brings to people throughout the country, and in every other country.

This is a huge hour in our history, and I am completely stunned and grateful to have been there to see it occur.

I feel like I just attended the Gettysburg address.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:06 AM

Thank God -- what a blessed relief. And what a speech...........

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: meself
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:06 AM

The world is proud of the United States tonight .... Congratulations to our American friends!

McCain's speech was a model of graciousness - I never saw him as presidential as in his concession of the presidential election. Obama was magnificent, of course ...

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:10 AM

I hope you will forgive me for posting this here also.

There was this fella from Battle Creek, Michigan. His name was Joe Crump. Joe was a black man, an African American. He was a big man, with a bigger smile, and a much bigger heart. We became friends over 30 years ago. I remember my Father, a victim of the times he was raised in, asking me once why I considered Joe my best friend. I told Da that Joe and I loved each other as brothers, that we watched out for each others backside. My father had a hard time with this. I told Joe that I was so disappointed in my father. He got angry at me, and told me that my Dad was a good man with the prejudices of his times. He told me that my Dad raised me, and I was his best friend. And then Joe let his big smile and bigger heart win my Dad over. When Joe died 2 years ago, my Mom and Dad were in the front row at the funeral and wept openly at the loss of a man they loved like one of their own.

My youngest child, Ciara, was born in 1982. I asked my best friend, Joe, to be her Godfather. Joe was absolutely overjoyed to do it, and from the first moment he loved that little girl. Every where he went brought her postcards, and Uncle Joe travelled a lot. She loved getting them. Every birthday brought a savings bond, and gifts of candy, with the admonishment "don't tell your Mom I gave you this box of candy bars". But Uncle Joe looked so different from the other folks around her, that the little girl just couldn't give her Uncle Joe a hug. I remember being embarassed about that, and my best friend just looked at me like I had a tail, and informed me that "of course she is afraid. Look at me!". But then he admonished me to just cool it. And he let that big smile, and that big heart patiently do is work. One night, when Ciara was 6 years old, Joe and his lady friend, my wife, and Ciara were at a play. Joe's lady friend's daughter was in the high school play. After the play, we all decided to go for pizza. It was dark outside, and as we all walked to our cars, Ciara stopped me, let out a big sigh, and told me she wanted to ride with Uncle Joe. It was clear that this little girl recognized the love Uncle Joe had for her, and was going to overcome her fear of his different looks. Well, Joe puffed up like a biskit with butter in it and put the wee little girl in his car. Took them a half hour to drive the 5 minutes to the pizza parlor. They were inseparable to the day he died, and Ciara still thinks of him every single day.

Joe taught me about prejudice. Joe taught us all about judging people by the content of their character. Joe taught us about pure, unadulterated love of your fellow man. He never judged folks for their racism, just vowed to beat it by his examples of love and service. Joe served on prestigious boards, and worked in the neighborhoods that spawned him. Joe knew Governors and Presidents, and revelled in delivering food baskets in his old neighborhoods. Joe spoke at conventions, but did his best work one on one.

Joe lived his whole life with integrity, and honest love of fellow man, even as he suffered the outrageous slings and arrows of racism. He forgave those whose racism came from the times they were raised in, but was a fierce warrior in the battle against those who used law to further their bigotry.

I would give anything to look in his eyes tonight and ask him, "Did you ever think, my beloved brother, that you would see this day?" I am sitting here with tears running down my face, at times sobbing, because I wish I could put my arm around my best friends shoulder and tell him that Obama's victory was his victory. I wish I could say to him, and to all the folks that never got the headlines, that I understand that it was by their walking through a world that enslaved them, killed them, economically strangled them,....... and yet they walked with grace, and at this moment, forgives us all. I listened to the gracious concession speech by McCain, and heard a significant part of the crowd try to boo when they heard the name of Obama. Then I watched the crowd in Grant Park, and I saw tears. I listened to a black preacher on the telly speak with forgiveness, and reach out to the other side.

Thanks, Joe. I will love you until the day I draw my last breath on this side. Then we will meet and start to tell jokes and make folks laugh. I wish you could be here so I could thank you, and help you understand, just as you helped me to understand. I would help you understand that by your presence, grace, integrity, honesty, and love of your fellow men, women and children, you paved the way for this moment.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Azizi
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:17 AM

To think that this day has come...I have no words.

I wanted to share this occassion with my Mudcat friends.

And I want just want to say God bless America. And God bless our President elect, Barack Obama and our Vice President elect, Joe Biden!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:19 AM

Mick, "thanks" doesn't seem enough for your kind sharing with us. I would offer this, though, as it seems to be okay for this thread, too.

I was talking with my son tonight, expressing how incredible I felt about this, telling him about the friends I have who marched with King and fought for civil rights and how meaningful it is to have a man of mixed race, like his nephews, elected to be president. My son said he understood how important it is to remember where we have been, but to his generation and his sisters' Obama was the best there was to vote for and the thought of his mixed race didn't come into why they voted for him. I know and he knows there are still folks in his generation who do care about the colour of a person's skin, but it made me very happy to know there is no distinction when it comes to my kids. As my daughter, mother of mixed race twins, say, "We are all part of the human race."

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:31 AM

Whew! I felt exactly the same thing as Don Firth when Obama's victory was confirmed..."an incredible sense of relief!"

Thank God. This is about the best thing I've seen happen in a long, long time. No kidding about that.

Hey Azizi, your joy in this moment is shared outside your country by more people than you can imagine. The whole world was waiting and hoping for this change to come. This is celebration time!

Now Mr Obama is going to have to deal with a huge entrenched power system in Washington, and he's just one man. The American public has got to give him all the help they can. It's not going to be easy. (But...there is a tremendous amount of goodwill in the rest of the world to assist you with that, which should help considerably.)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:39 AM

Wonderful story Mick. This was a great day for the country and it is obvious there are others who are as elated as I. I have voted for winners in the past but have never felt as much joy when the results came in. The first step in winning back international respect was made tonight and my confidence in my fellow citizens is restored. It is hard to imagine that someone who had to borrow money to go to college could become the President of this nation and even harder to imagine that someone would stay on the high road in a campaign when so many vicious accusations were being made. I do think we have a new President and first lady with character. Senator McCain restored my respect with his speech and I do think he was sincere. Much work to be done but it looks like the folk of this country are ready to roll up their sleeves. What a day!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ron Davies
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:41 AM

And one of the best things about it is that it's a body blow to all the cynics--on the Left, the Right and just the Confused Fringe-- who kept telling us Obama had no chance, that it didn't matter who you voted for, nothing would change, that there's no point in getting involved with the political process, etc.

This campaign was to a large extent, as Obama himself noted, won by the little people who did the work for him and contributed their money--not huge amounts but it mounted up--and their numbers form a nucleus for him to get progress on many issues.

Some did more than others--Carol C and JTS probably did the most, I suspect--but all of his supporters contributed something--and many more than just a vote.

Obama is also a wonderful role model and a huge rebuke to anybody who doesn't think education is worth the trouble.


Cynicism took it on the chin tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:43 AM

I am even feeling charitable toward W for the moment. Hope is a wonderful thing. Now there's work to do.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:49 AM

Yeah, hope sure is a wonderful thing. Like I said before, what a sense of relief!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: nutty
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:58 AM

Well done America .... you are right to feel proud of yourselves.


I'm hoping that one day the UK may be able to emulate this and have a Prime Minister that really moves me.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Dan's laptop
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:08 AM

I remember a professor in Divinity School asking what unites the various forms of Humanism, from the Renaissance to the modern era. I paraphrased the words of a 19th century Unitarian minister, James Freeman Clarke, and said, "a belief in the progress of humankind, onward and upward, forever and ever!" The professor sighed and said, "It's so poetic; I wonder if anyone believes it anymore." I remember thinking that I believed it - humanity really does progress over time, but that in my lifetime I had seen very little evidence.

Tonight I've seen the proof of that progress. I'm thrilled that my candidate has won, that the Supreme Court has been saved, that we'll have a President who understands a multi-cultural, pluralistic world, that that after eight years of reckless disregard for the Constitution, we'll have someone who is truly an expert on the document and who cares for it deeply. I'm over the moon that the person I supported from the beginning has pulled this off. (This just never happens to me!) But all of this, important as it is, is secondary to the simple fact of what happened in this country tonight.

150 years ago, slavery was legal in the United States. 50 years ago, much of the country lived under Jim Crow. Many public facilities were not fully integrated until the 1970s and 80s. And now this country has elected an African American - with the middle name Hussein, no less - to be our President. That means more than an accomplishment for one man or one race - it is an accomplishment for humanity, and for the American people. It is an accomplishment for White Americans who have been able to leave behind - or at least to suppress - the bigotry that has defined so much of our history. The struggle against racial injustice is far from over, but tonight the evidence of progress is clear.

I think what means the most to me about this victory is that it did not happen because Obama was African American - or even, I think, in spite of it. It happened because a majority of the people believed that this man would do the best job.

I don't agree with everything Obama says or does. In many ways he is far more of a centrist than I am. I do believe, though, in his basic integrity and ability to lead people through transformative change. That's something we haven't seen in a President for a long time. And once again, and still - I believe in the progress of humankind.

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: astro
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:17 AM

Just heard from my children...Jessie in Berkeley and finishing up there is out in the streets with the rest of the school shutting down Telegraph Avenue with celebrations...

Son Aaron in Seoul Korea whooping it up with his middle school students and wish he could shut some streets down too....

Heard from Becky in Tucson and she and Dan are whooping it up along with me here in Los Angeles...it makes us very proud and want to scream that it is over, the bush will be planted back home....

A gracious speech from McCain and I was glad that he was shushing the boos for Obama...wished that McCain would have been around and not the one we saw (not to say I wanted him to win, am happy he's comin home to Arizona, and very glad Alaska is getting back their governor)..

My children make me proud!!!!

Astro

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:21 AM

When I got home from visiting my doctor & turned on the radio & heard our Prime Minister saying something about how Australia could have worked with McCain as they will work with Obama I was pleased. But didn't really start feeing things till I read this thread (Mick, you had me crying again!)

I've listened to the enthusiasm & the craziness - heard & read comments by people who will & won't vote for a (n-word) - heard & read learned commentary - & it all got too much (will voters really do what pollsters say? will some change their votes when no-one can see them)

But they did what was predicted! yah!!

good on ya & best wishes for the future.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Cats
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:23 AM

Congratulations to all in the USA. Let's hope he will now keep his promises. 'What Martin Luther King started, Barack Obama has completed' was what one commentator in the Uk said last night.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: skarpi
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:37 AM

awww Mick ,,,,,,,



well Congratulations all , I hope Obama will greater man than
Mr Bush .

best to you all
Skarpi

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Don Firth
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:46 AM

Pretty well wrapped up, it appears!

Washington State is doing pretty well, also. A couple of bad initiatives and referenda have gone down to defeat and a couple of good ones have passed. There was a hard-fought battle for state governor, with some of the nastiest campaign commercials I have ever heard coming from Dino Rossi, the Republican challenger. He lost to Christine Gregoire four years ago by a razor-thin margin (something like 128 votes!) after a couple of recounts and a court case. This time around, Rossi got really nasty. So far, the three networks and a couple of news services have projected that Chris Gregoire is the winner (votes still coming in, but she's ahead 53% to 47%). Local news commentators, looking at the figures in so far from the various counties, have said that something supernatural would have to happen for Rossi to pull it out now. Rossi refuses to concede, snorting "We've been here before, and I'm going to win this time!"

High marks for optimism, but low marks for facing reality.

Now—here's the kicker! On the news tonight. A spontaneous—what shall I call it? Demonstration? Well, what's really going is that down on Seattle's First Avenue around the Pike Place Market, there are thousands of people, many with Obama signs, some African-American, some Asian, but the vast majority white—are literally (I mean, they really are) dancing in the streets!! Peaceful, except for the yelling and chanting ("Yes, we can! Yes, we can!"), and the police are just standing around grinning. A spontaneous explosion of sheer glee!

I'm gettin' kinda choked up.

Goodnight, folks. Sleep well!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:47 AM

Not since the 60's have I had any faith in our system, until tonight.
Many of us have waited such a long time for this day to come, & then there are those that have waited over 400 yrs. This is a day that equals the "first shot heard round the world", it only happens once every few centuries & it happened tonight.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Gervase
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:49 AM

Phew!
Let's hope the damage of the past eight years can be undone and that the world can again find faith in America.
There's a long road ahead, and I can't help but reflect on a similar wave of euphoria that swept this side of the Atlantic in May 1997; a time that we, too, believe, would herald a new age of decency and fairness for all. Blair let us down and led us into an illegal and immoral war - let us hope that Obama is made of better stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: freda underhill
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:51 AM

The American people are rejoicing because they know that this is a wonderful outcome.

We watched at work, all day, as the votes for Obama came in, and share the massive sense of relief, hope and pride that such a young, ethical and inspirational man has been voted in as president.

Here, in downtown Sydney, my Aussie colleagues of various backgrounds (Italian, Sudanese, Macedonian, Chinese, Greek and just plain old Celtic Aussie) watched both McCain and Obama's speeches, and cheered.

some of us had a cry. his words of unity, his optimism and his pledge to listen reach all the way out to Australia.

what a wonderful day.

congratulations to you all

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ebbie
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:52 AM

I know what you mean by "relief". I had been telling myself, He's going to win! but I was steeling myself against ugly fears. When the announcment came up: BARACK OBAMA WILL BE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, I burst into tears.

We're having a party this weekend. And then to work! Every time I hear Obama- and see his body language - I am reassured that our problems are not insurmountable.

Eb

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Justin Urqhart
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 03:35 AM

Don't worry freda, there will be plenty more time for crying ahead!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 03:49 AM

Yay! We've got another anti-gay, pro-death penalty, anti-Arab racist, corporate-owned political whore for President! But, like, he has a tan, so it's all going to be OK!

Suckers, all yas. :)

---Will

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: KT
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 03:59 AM

Significant to me was seeing all of those faces....those beaming with uncontainable joy, and those streaked with unabashed tears - ALL were alight with renewed hope. My own cascade of tears continued right on through his speech and into this thread.

It's with awe and wonder I consider the roles and responsibilities we are called to as fellow inhabitants of this earth. Perhaps.... with a new direction....

KT

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:00 AM

Mick, thanks again you for your beautiful post, and for sharing Joe with us.

I thought some of you may like to see the new blog this morning from Martyn Joseph, which he's called....

Ring The Bell of Liberty

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Don Firth
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:08 AM

". . . he will never see his term out."

Really, Justin? You have some kind of plans, do you?

I'd be a little careful if I were you. Threats to a president or a president-elect are taken very seriously, and internet ID's are much easier to trace that most people think.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:33 AM

What a moment - what a night to restore one's faith in humanity. I still believe that the animal is only skin-deep in all of us (witness all the atrocities around the world, from the Congo to Somalia, to Trebrenica and Iraq); but last night I was reminded that humans can also elevate themselves to great heights. All it takes is civilisation.

I agree that the significance of Obama's victory is comparable to the Gettysburg Address. I would even go beyond that and say that in some ways it was even more significant than the US gaining independence. Because the latter was in the interest of improving oneself (freedom from oppression, no taxation without representation), while last night's result for many has been in the interests of others' rights, or at least for the Common Good; a lot more unselfish.

So, someone who 50 years ago would have difficulty being allowed to vote, has now been chosen to lead the country. Of course, many Americans will say (rightly) that they always knew the potential for this to happen was there, because they knew that they, and others have felt this way for a long time. But potential is hard to discern from the outside. The world had to see, to believe. And overnight, suddenly America and by extension Americans, and the world, looks a lot better. They didn't just talk rights, they practiced them. The new President is the proof.

Well done, America!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: ard mhacha
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:41 AM

Too true a black cloud lifted from over the US, what a relief to see the back of Bush and his fascists, they have left the Republican Party in such a state it will be years before it recovers, that is great news.
Now lets see some movement on what the last lot of incompetents left, war, torture and the slaughter of the innocents.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:51 AM

Congratulations to the American People on a momentous occasion!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Don Firth
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:55 AM

Just checking, Justin. And arsehole yourself. Kindly don't call me any of your family names.

The remark you posted above could certainly be construed as a threat, and as I said, internet IDs are quite easy to trace, easier than most people, even ones who hide behind a pseudonym, realize. And the Secret Service gets pretty edgy when they hear or read comments like the one you made

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Pauline L
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 05:23 AM

A few months ago, I was talking with a neighbor about the upcoming election, and I told him that I just didn't believe that a black man could be elected President in this country.

Tonight when I heard the news that Obama had won, I remember how I felt several years ago when the state of Virginia, many of whose counties had closed their public schools rather than comply with the Supreme Court's ruling on school desegragation, elected a black man as governor. I had the same tears and and the same feeling of pride in my heart when I heard that Obama was elected.

I feel especially connected with all this, even though I'm white, because I came of age in the 60s. I experienced the wave of the Civil Rights movement when it crested. I'm very proud and happy that I was at the National Mall during the big rally where MLK gave his "I have a dream" speech. The experience was wonderful beyond words.

Part of me is an idealist, and part of me is a skeptic. Tonight I learned that dreams can really come true. I'll try to adjust my mindset accordingly.

One of the nice things about this thread is hearing from people who are not Americans express joy and respect for us for electing Obama.

Yay, Obama! Yay!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 05:40 AM

Amen to George Papavgeris' wise words.
The world suddenly became a better place this morning.
May this man become one of America's Great Presidents - maybe The Greatest.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:15 AM

Since US servicemen were in Australia in WWII, Aussies have consider that many Americans, as well as the country itself was like a male pubescent teenager. Now it looks as if puberty may have passed.... thank goodness.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: bbc
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:42 AM

I'm glad it's over; the Republican candidates were an embarrassment, in my opinion. I will be praying for Obama's Presidency. Let's get back to working on our country's problems.

best to all,

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:44 AM

Spaw, I first heard that song about the Birminghasm church bombing as a child. It gives me chills. Thanks for the reminder of how far we've come. But iof course it was a Sam Cooke song I kept hearing in my head during Obama's acceptance speech:

I was born by the river in a little tent
And just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh, yes it is

It's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh, yes it is

I go to the movie and I go downtown
Someone keep telling me don't hang round
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

Then I go to my brother
I say brother help me please
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees

There's been times that I thought
I wouldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will



Returned a couple of days ago from a visit to my relitives in NY and NJ - I have to say, the mood was like nothing I ever remember. Mobilised. Full of hope. People believing in the power of their ability to make a difference. I came away certain it was really going to happen. Even my daughter (going on 15) was so enthused by what she saw and heard in America that she stayed up half the night with me.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Midchuck
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:54 AM

Whenever you call a person who is half European- and half African-descended "black," you are adhering to the "one drop rule" that was used in the days of slavery to determine who was rightfully a slave, and maximize profits.

So most of you are still being more racist than you realize. Even the man himself.

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:02 AM

I agree its an improvement,but how much will he be allowed to do?.
business / multi capitalism,still pulls the strings.
I hope he is not the next president to be assassinated.
the Kennedys threatened the mafia,later they were both killed.
the small amount of people who own most of the wealth,do not want to give up control easily.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: kendall
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:26 AM

I've traveled all over the UK except for Northern Ireland, made frequent trips over there, but I have never been treated like a poor cousin or an ugly American. It's not where you are from, it's how you act.

All I can say about yesterday, The liars lost, for a change.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:30 AM

Attempting to classify people according to their 'race' has been shown to be a completely a futile and meaningless exercise and, in the past, has led to terrible suffering and injustice. The colour of President Elect Obama's skin may well be important to him, and might be an important part of his personal identity, but it is no-one else's business! I think that Obama, and the majority of the people who elected him, understand that.

For me, the most important part of this particular election victory has been the TV pictures of people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds joined together in celebration - those are pictures of a world worth fighting for!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Greg F.
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:47 AM

McCain's speech was a model of graciousness...McCain is giving a gracious and comprehensive concession speech. Good for him.... McCain restored my respect with his speech...

That's as may be, folks, but lets not get carried away. It hardly makes up for the slime & lies he and his campaign spread around or for the vicious and ignorant& hateful comments by that Palin woman - who, by the way, will be back to plague us quite soon, I'm sure..

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:49 AM

President (Elect) Obama's Victory Speech, in full - BBC News Video

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr.

The Silence has been silenced.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: jacqui.c
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:50 AM

What a wonderful night. Seeing the tears on Jesse Jackson's face was amazing and McCain's speech brought back the man that seemed to have been lost during the past year. I didn't stay up for Obama's speech but reading the text left me a bit teary, as did reading the comments above.

I am so proud of my adopted country for showing such spirit and sense yesterday. It's going to be a long hard road and what the job will take out of this man is frightening to envisage. Hopefully the people of America will stand beside him and make sure the job gets done, in spite of naysayers and those who have interests that don't benefit the nation as a whole.

I feel privileged to have been living in this country at a time such as this and to witness first had such a historical event.

May your god bless mankind.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CamiSu
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:54 AM

Thank you Peter. I have been thinking this for a long time. I think part of it is simply the acceptance that we as a society have realised that visual perception is still important to way too many people. It drove me a bit nuts that there were people who thought he would only "take care of his people". I thought we were ALL his people! (And he said so, too)

BTW Kathleen Monroe and I were dancing in my dining room a few minutes ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:59 AM

What a relief! We have huge expectations of Barak Obama, but he has not disappointed thus far- this is fantastic news for America and for the rest of us.
Linda

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:00 AM

"I've traveled all over the UK except for Northern Ireland, made frequent trips over there, but I have never been treated like a poor cousin or an ugly American. It's not where you are from, it's how you act."

How right you are Kendall, you're no poor cousin, nor an ugly American, and you are always welcome in the Backwoods of Lincolnshire.

BTW, there are uglies of all nationalities, I don't believe the US is any worse than any other country in that regard, even though some might try to pretend otherwise.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:04 AM

To add a touch of music to this thread:

Halleluia, the great storm is over
Lift up your wings and fly...




BTW <<>> Welcome home!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:08 AM

Well, I'm glad THAT'S over!

Now let's get to work. There's a lot to do.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:21 AM

Wow!!!

First presidential campaign I've worked in that won...

(Maybe you shouldn't have worked for Nadar in so many elections, Bobert???)

Good point but, hey, I'll gibe Obama a chance but be prepared to sneak back into the Nadar camp if Obama doesn't take on the military/indusdtrialists...

But today???

Wow!!!

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:24 AM

Hey Ruth....There's a great clip (CBS I think) of them singing that at Ebeneezer Baptist last night where a monster celebration was in progress. And just to show we could do the news, another crew (ABC?) at 16th Street Baptist.

Geeziz, I still can't believe how far we've come. Yeah, still a ways to go but damn..............

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Beer
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:26 AM

What a beautiful day it is.
Congratulations.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:29 AM

"I ain't got time to die, 'cos I wanna see a black President"

Ann Nixon Cooper on Youtube

106 years old, friend of Martin Luther King Jr, and she says her secret is that she loves to giggle. :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: kendall
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:35 AM

"Among free men there can be no appeal from the ballot box to the bullet, and those who take such appeal are sure to lose their cause and pay the cost." (Abraham Lincoln)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:39 AM

Well, I don't like always to be negative, but shame about the senate.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:43 AM

There's still a possibility for 60 seats in the Senate. Some outcomes are still up in the air.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: DannyC
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:59 AM

Yes we did indeed...

O - O - O - Obama!!
O - O - O - Obama!!

He is our precious one.   
We need to stand by him.
It's far from done.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:18 AM

You don't get a night and a day like this very often.

In one way it's a bit like the obverse of that day of September 11. That was terrible day, and it seemed as if pretty well the whole world was watching and grieving and recognising an America that we loved.   And then it seemed as if that America was taken away from us, and replaced by one that didn't seem to want to be loved, and didn't seem to feel any need to be loved.

And now it feels as if it's come back, and we can hope it's come back to stay, and that it is, to use the term that Sarah Palin misapplied, the real America.

It seems remarkably appropriate that on the very the`eve of Barack Obama's inauguration as president it will be Martin Luther King Day.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: maire-aine
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:18 AM

I watched returns at the Oakland County Dems party last night. I knew it would be a night when I wanted to be with friends and supporters, not home alone. After McCain's concession speech, a group of young people spontaniously sang the Star Spangled Banner-- that's when I started crying.

I have a President that I can believe in. Thank you.

Please, God, protect him. Protect them all.

Maryanne

PS: Thank you, Mick, for sharing that story.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ron Davies
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:33 AM

The Obama result is huge grounds for celebration. Too bad Mudcat still has a few unreformed cynics (though some appear cowed)--and probably still one racist commenting.

As for the Senate, a "filibuster-proof majority" is and always was a chimera. Even if the Democrats had made it up to 60 seats 1) One of them would have been Joe Lieberman and 2) At this point the Democrats are truly a "big tent"--including people who are against abortion and against gun control. It is absurd to say "Shame about the Senate"--since each Senator will vote primarily according to the wishes of his or her constituency. Case in point: Senator Tester. And anybody who tries to enforce "party discipline" would be foolish in the extreme--since the constituents would, at the next election, take it out on the Senator who ignored the will of his own voters.


Yes, each Democratic Senator will support the party leadership when that Senator can. But when the majority of his constituents are on the other side from the Democratic party leadership on an issue, he or she must choose the interests of the constituents, as that Senator sees it. They are who elected him or her.   The party leadership did not.

And as Richard Neustadt has pointed out, perhaps the greatest power of the president is the power to persuade. This is why we are particularly fortunate that Obama is such a wonderful speaker. Under him, the presidency can again be a "bully pulpit"--as opposed to the source of scare propaganda and embarrassment it has been for 8 years.

On the issue of "party discipline", the US system may well be different than the UK system.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:34 AM

GOBAMANATION!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Janie
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:01 AM

Ditto what Rapaire said.

Like others, I am more moved than I anticipated. I ended up not voting for a presidential nominee in the primary, because I couldn't decide who had the best chance of winning the general election, Hilary or Obama. I had neither strong objections or strong enthusiam for either one, but knew either was a better choice than any Republican alternative.

As I have watched and listened to Obama during the run-up to the general election, observed him during the debates, and observed his maturity and measured responses during the campaign, I found myself daring to hope again, and to believe in the possibility of a workable world for the generations that follow.

Obama may well prove to be a consumate consensus builder, and he certainly has demonstrated the capacity to inspire and bring out the best in people. I think he is as well-equipped as it is possible to be to try to lead this country in the 21st century.

His biggest job will be to help the American people keep their expectations for change (both the type and the rate) realistic. He made a good start with that in his acceptance speech. I hope people were listening.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: KB in Iowa
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:03 AM

It was bright and sunny when I started my drive to work this morning, truly beautiful. About half-way in a few raindrops spattered on the windshield. After a couple of minutes the sun came back out and right in front of me was a rainbow. It stayed there the rest of the way in. Really. I laughed and laughed.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:12 AM

Great work!

Now to harvest all those campaign signs littering the landscape.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ebbie
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:23 AM

Further to what Ron said, I'm kind of glad that the Senate - it appears - won't be overwhelmed by a large Democratic majority. This way, human nature being what it is and power so seductive, the Democrats will find it necessary to reach across to find consensus in controversial but important matters.

I still think that the divisions in our country must be bridged. I absolutely hate that it seems to be a given that each party must despise and tear down the other, and that people of the nation must be taught to fear the other side.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:31 AM

Sure is a beautiful morning here in Canada too. Yessir. I have to say that your election was about 100 times more exciting and satisfying than our recent one was. ;-) We tend to have sort of low key political controversy here these days.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:33 AM

The beginning of that bridge was formed last night in Obama's election speech. If you haven't seen it, it is a thing of beauty and of unification.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:36 AM

"Americans found out that young people care and they vote, that there is no limit to the nation's appetite for political news and punditry, that polls can't be trusted—unless they can, and that campaign finance has moved into a new, stratospheric, online realm.

Americans discovered that they can suss out phonies (think Mitt Romney and John Edwards) and do Electoral College math as well as the number crunchers on the tube, that the formidable Clintons can be outsmarted politically, and that Karl Rove's tactics of division are, for now, played out.

Americans now know how to caucus, how to become a superdelegate, and how to watch for skin cancer warning signs. They can feel for an opponent's personal loss—Who wasn't rooting for Obama's grandma to hold on for two more days?—and appreciate the ability of a nemesis to poke fun at himself or herself on Saturday Night Live.

African-Americans learned to shed their skepticism and believe that a black person could occupy the White House, and maybe discovered something new and profound about the real potential of American life.

And, perhaps most important, Americans—the nation in all its red, blue, and purple glory—witnessed the simple power of "Yes, we can."

..." US News

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:43 AM

This was neat (my emphasis):

Several hundred students (George Washington Uni.) swarmed the White House on election night after Sen. Barack Obama was projected president-elect around 11 p.m. The majority of students arrived after electoral watch parties in the Marvin Center erupted with screaming, cheering supporters who proceeded to parade down the streets.

The indescribable roar from the Continental Ballroom during the final minutes before Obama was declared president-elect was an inaudible collection of screams, chants, and emotional outcries of joy. The crowd continued to celebrate for several minutes until the announcement that the projected winner would not speak until midnight caused the mass exodus onto H Street and beyond to the White House.

With a crowd of hundreds upon hundreds of GW students that arrived, the sounds of shouting and car honking could be heard from an indiscernible distance. Cries of "OBAMA" intertwined with a song of goodbye to the current administration. The crowd began to taper off closer to midnight as Obama's acceptance speech began.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colorado now has now gone blue, not only for Obama, but also in the Senate with Udall taking over the seat of retired GOP Allard! And, we now have another Dem, in the House!! Yeah!!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Sawzaw
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:45 AM

I am happy for you guys. You did it!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:49 AM

I am happy for the gracious words of Riginslinger and Sawzaw (and McCain, too!). May the hard work of the future be done in that spirit on both sides.

~ Becky in Tucson
(one of Arizona's two blue counties)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:51 AM

Well, said, brother. I'm glad that the divisive process of a two-year election battle is over and we can get on with the next thing now, whatever the next thing may be.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Gervase
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:56 AM

In one way it's a bit like the obverse of that day of September 11. That was terrible day, and it seemed as if pretty well the whole world was watching and grieving and recognising an America that we loved.   And then it seemed as if that America was taken away from us, and replaced by one that didn't seem to want to be loved, and didn't seem to feel any need to be loved.

And now it feels as if it's come back, and we can hope it's come back to stay, and that it is, to use the term that Sarah Palin misapplied, the real America.
Very true, Kevin, very true.
After September 11 I saw a change come over even this place, with harsh words, bellicose attitudes and posturing becoming more apparent. For someone who posted here a lot and who loved the warm glow of shared humanity that the Mudcat represented, the change was ugly. I hope that the process of reconciliation, a 'depolarisation' if you like, can begin in small ways as well as in big ones, and that it can be reflected wherever America touches the rest of the world.
As I posted in another thread, welcome back!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:58 AM

Really appreciate the comments and support from all of you who aren't in the US. Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:01 AM

Yes, Gervase, I noticed the same thing after 911. It wasn't just happening on Mudcat, either. It was happening in a general societal sense. We were entering a very dark phase in human relations in 2001, and now I think we have an excellent chance of repairing much of the damage that was done in the past 7 years.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:02 AM

"This moment was necessary, for despite a century of civil rights legislation, judicial interventions and social activism — despite Brown v. Board of Education, Martin Luther King's I-have-a-dream crusade and the 1964 Civil Rights Act — the Civil War could never truly be said to have ended until America's white majority actually elected an African-American as president.

That is what happened Tuesday night and that is why we awake this morning to a different country. The struggle for equal rights is far from over, but we start afresh now from a whole new baseline. Let every child and every citizen and every new immigrant know that from this day forward everything really is possible in America."

Friedman, NYT

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:03 AM

This morning, I have gotten emails from friends and family in Europe, Africa and Australia welcoming us back to the community of civilized nations.

And I got up early this morning and put up the American flag that hasn't hung on the front of the house since March 20, 2003.

Yes We Can.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: topical tom
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:04 AM

Congratulations and blessings on a great nation and people! You have sown the seeds of hope in a troubled world.Change won't be achieved overnight but with help and guidance for Obama it WILL be done.

                From a happy Canadian.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:07 AM

Congratulations to
the entire body and mind of humanity:
First to the loyal opposition who do what they do and in turn helped to move liberty along.

Next to the intelligent and compassionate content of our character.

To the thoughtful minds with their investigations and thoughtful arguments.

To the heart of those who express honest emotion and open up despite the staid rules of not discussing religion and politics.

To the sacastic cynical comics who can expose the taboo and reveal unspoken truths.

To the calm and collected vision of those with far reaching perspective.

To the artists whose most powerful art is derived from the necessity of the age we live in.

To the legs and lungs of those who knocked on doors and spoke to perfect strangers.

To the voices who sing above the crowd until a unity of voices find a common chord.


Congratulations to all.

Don H.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:20 AM

Don, you and your art had quite a hand in it, too, and that is one of the most eloquent things you have posted to Mudcat, ever. Thanks.

I just went out and taped a big "YES, WE DID!" sign over one of our Obama/Biden yard signs. I intend to leave it up for a good while.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:24 AM

Relief. Pride. Shock. I never believed I would see this country lose its hatred and elect a black man when he was the most qualified. Pride.

I first voted in 1968 and wrote in Huey Newton and Angela Davis out of disgust with the choices offered by both parties. Every election I felt the same way. Read my posts this time around. I have been angry and bitter at the hypocrisy of our politicians. Barack Obama has made me feel young and optimistic.

John McCain restored my respect for him with his speech last night.

I feel as if things are right for the first time in decades. I pray that Obama spends the next four years getting this country back on track and not on getting re-elected. He has a hard four years ahead of him.

Eight yers of that smarmy, lying hypocrite are over and he is going out in disgrace. Good riddance. Count the furniture and the china, guys, before he leaves.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Tinker
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:28 AM

My daughter was among the George Washington University Students dancing in front of the White House last night. She was extremely upset during the week as her absentee ballot application was lost in the mail and despite multiple attempts to squeeze both the time and money out to come home and vote, a case of bronchitis finally squashed the ability to do that. This is a young lady who has faithfully gotten absentee ballots for every election since she was old enough to vote. She had several friends from assorted states in the same situation. No pattern, simply an overwhelming the system.

She called us from the streets of DC last night caught in the joy as Barak was speaking.

In my very intergrated district (NJ's only black Congressman) we had voting lines for the very first time. There were three 20 something kids infront of us who were laughing about the wake up calls they got from their Grandparents early in the morning telling them to get up and vote. They were all agreed that they couldn't go home until they voted.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:48 AM

what a great day, and inspiring victory speech.

Its about time.
thanks for sharing that story Big Mick.

on a lighter note, someone mentioned Michelle Obama and I have to say Its the first time that a black woman slept in the White House since Sally Hemmings (Thomas Jeffersons) slave servant.

oh that and probably when Condoleezza Rice read George Bush the occasion al bedtime story.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Alice
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:50 AM

"If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog"

at presidentialpup.com, people voted to choose which breed puppy the Obama girls should get. As one of the girls has allergies, the winning choice is a poodle.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CamiSu
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:20 PM

And poodles are SMART!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:32 PM

I think there was also great significance in the fact that Obama's speech was made in Grant Park in Chicago.   

Back in 1968, Grant Park was one of the scenes of the riots during the Democratic Convention. That event, which saw the Democratic party self-destruct and in many ways the idealism of the 1960's began to implode as well.   

The "whole world was watching" in 1968 and they saw a country that was mired in violent disputes, bigotry and incredible division. Now, 40 years later, the world was able to watch again and witness what we have accomplished since those terrible days - and more importantly - where we are heading. The hope is still alive and perhaps this time we can really make a difference.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Sawzaw
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:38 PM

Amos:

Have you been coaching Joe Biden?

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:42 PM

I looked that presidentialpup.com site, and the only choices offered were "Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier."

Are those dogs? The poodle is the only breed (or rather bunch of breeds) I've ever even heard of. But after Tony Blair that term "the President's poodle" surely has too much political baggage.

Perhaps they need to set up a few primaries or caucuses to help decide...

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Irene M
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 12:50 PM

Well, I have never been happier to have been proved wrong!
Big grin all day, since I heard the 6AM news.
AND, if I am not mistaken, a Democrat Congress, so some progress may be possible after all!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:33 PM

I've just taken the time, a much needed break, to read these posts over. What a wonderful outpouring of spirit, and even some thoughtful words from Obama critics.

And Mick's story is certainly one I won't soon forget.

I have seldom seen a campaign so well managed and positive as this one, and I also take great heart in the outcome. Obama will certainly be an inspiration for millions for generations to come.

And I hope that the surviving Republicans have learned the hard lesson that mean-spirited character attack campaigns sometimes blow up in one's face.

Time for a much needed nap!

Charley Noble, zzzzzzz

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Goose Gander
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:40 PM

The Republicans lost because they were selling nothing but fear, but the country didn't buy it.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:41 PM

Oh my god… You guys were totally right about Obama!

I woke up this morning, feeling just as cynical about the election as I did… earlier this morning. I brought in the morning paper, but could barely get past the "OBAMA MAKES HISTORY" headline before my incessant eyerolling have me a massive headache, and I gave up. Enough of this, I thought… Time for breakfast!

I got in my Prius, and started driving towards my local co-op, where I planned to buy a cruelty-free omelet, made from eggs lovingly harvested from feral chickens that had died of natural causes while sitting on their infertile eggs. As I rounded the last corner before the co-op, I saw a disheveled Black man, standing on the curb holding a sign that read "WILL WORK 4 FOOD." As I passed him, I was overcome by guilt, and near tears as I imagined what must be this brave man's Sisyphean struggle to rise out of the Ghetto, beat his crack addiction, and bring enough food home each evening to feed his numerous children.

And so I thought about bringing him back an omelet, or maybe a soysage, wheat germ, and kelp chutney breakfast wrap. Then, looking in my rear-view mirrow, I realised that the man wasn't actually black, but maybe some sort of very dark Italian. Or possibly Greek. And so I decided against breaking my fast with him.

But… this still made me think about the Black man I'd imagined him to be. I thought about centuries of slavery, oppression, and injustice. About Rosa Parks, on her bus, and Martin Luther King, on his postage stamp, and all that. And I was surprised as I realised that tears were rolling down my cheeks. I'm not sure why this surprised me, as I generally weep over the assorted injustices of the world at least three times a day, but it did. And soon I began to sob uncontrollably, and was so blinded by my tears in the morning sun that I had to pull over. And I wept, wept as I hadn't wept in days. Yanno, since that PETA video about veal came out.

And my tears streamed down my dashiki, and dropped onto the floor of my car, where they moistened a few lonely hemp seeds that had fallen there. And as I dried my eyes, I witnessed a miracle: The hemp seeds began to sprout! Shoots, in every colour you can imagine, rose up from the floor, and wrapped themselves around me until I was completely immobilised. I closed my eyes, giving myself over to this strange life-form, and I felt myself being lifted into the air, squeezed out the car window, and then… I was flying! Flying in a magical rainbow shroud! I opened my eyes, and once more, I began to sob. Not from sorrow, this time, but… joy! And as I flew, I looked down at America, and saw that the people were weeping as joyously as I was. And I wondered what had caused the American people to rejoice so, today, on this day of woe, the day after they had selected another cookie-cutter political hack to be their president. And, as I rolled my eyes, I felt pity for them, and laughed bitterly.

But then, I flew into a city. It looked like… Washington D.C.! I flew past rows of fancy townhomes, past shiny new shopping malls, and through impoverished neighbourhoods (at which point my tears were once more tears of sorrow), and on and on and on. And then I saw the Washington Monument, and my flight slowed. I felt myself descending once more to Earth! And I landed on the vast lawn of a big white house… the white house, AKA The White House.

The tendrils that had borne me to that place then fell to the ground, and I saw that I was naked. I was briefly quite upset by this, cupping my genitals in my hands, until… I saw that I was surrounded by thousands of other naked people, all staring at me! But then I saw that they weren't looking at me, but at something behind me. And so I turned, and there was Barack Obama, standing next to Dr. King, Nelson Mandela, and LeVar Burton! That Indian fella from the littering commercials was there, as well, for some reason. Also, Bob Marley. None of them were naked, which would probably have been somewhat undignified for people of their stature.

I looked upon this man, who rose up from such humble beginnings, a broken home, the descendant of slaves torn so cruelly from their homelands, etc… Now, the most powerful man in the world! Well, I mean, Obama isn't actually the descendant of African slaves, but he certainly looks like he could be, right? He smiled at me, and I felt a warm glow come over me. How could I have doubted him? Isn't this what we've been thinking about fighting for, all these long years? What… what had I done, that day, only yesterday, when I… I could hardly bring myself to think it! Stumbling forward, I fell to my knees before Him, and began, once more, to weep. He laid His hand on my shoulder, and said: "What ails you, citizen?"

And I choked out: "I…I… v-v-voted for… Nader! C-c-can you… ever forgive me, Mr. P-p-president-Elect?"

But He said nothing, just smiled, bent forward, lifted me into His arms, and gently kissed me on the forehead. He held me there for several hours, until I cried myself to sleep.

I awoke on the lawn, swathed in His sports jacket, surrounded now by… millions! Americans of every hue, chanting His name! "O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma!" A herd of unicorns galloped past, and, somehow, this seemed not to be unusual. Not here. Not now. Barack was standing on the front steps of the White House, waving and smiling. He then looked at His watch, sucked air through His teeth, and made one of those "yeah, well, it's about that time…" faces. And with a wink in my direction, He mounted one of the unicorns, and rode it up the steps and through the front doors of His new home. As the doors closed behind Him, a change, a wondrous change, began to take place: Those white walls were bathed in colours, beautiful rainbow colours! And at that, I fell in a swoon.

When I came to, I was back in my Prius, parked in front of the co-op. My dashiki was still moist from the tears, but there was no sign of the rainbow tendrils. I opened my door, and moved to get out, but my left leg was asleep. I faceplanted onto the asphalt. I lay there for a moment, trying not to cry, when I felt a hand on my shoulder… the same shoulder He had touched… when? It seemed like ages ago. Or moments. A man's voice said: "You alright, mister?" I looked up, and saw a young black man standing there, offering me his hand. I took it, and he helped me to my feet.

I noticed that my sustainable teakwood bifocals were slightly damaged from the fall, but I was otherwise unharmed. "Yes, I'm OK. Thanks!"

The young man smiled at me, shook my hand, and nodded his head at the Obama sign in the co-op window. "Yes, we did, huh?"

I nodded sheepishly, aware of my betrayal the day before, even though I had since been shriven on that mystical rainbow lawn. The man gently slapped me on the shoulder, and jogged off before I could get his name, or even offer him an omelet.

And at that moment, I realised that I'd never more have to feel guilty about slavery. And I wept.

---Will

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Willie-O
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:42 PM

A change is gonna come, indeed. That's about my favourite song in the world with Sam Cooke singing it, and I heard it this morning, linked forever in my mind now with the image we're seeing of Jesse Jackson, a flawed hero (aren't they all?) whom I have long admired; his campaigns of '84 and '88 showed that this day was within the realm of possibility.

I guess the shine will wear off and there are still plenty of problems in the world, but they can wait for tomorrow. I am just so thrilled that we can see a more hopeful vision of the world.

Honestly, I had given up on the promise of what the US was supposed to be about...here's hoping none of this is too good to be true.

Congratulations America, Obama, and all of you!

Bill

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: kendall
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:50 PM

He may well turn out to be the second worst president in history. (Behind Bush) but I doubt it. I see greatness in "that one."

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 01:57 PM

Will, I pity you, and those like you, your cynicism. I completely understand the need to infuse realism into a world being seen through rose colored glasses. But that is not what you have here. What you have is a country that took the giant leap to become a more perfect union. We're not there yet, but we took a leap. You have a young man that is a perfect symbol of what it is that progressives are trying to get to. You have a man who handled all this with grace, and refused to change his demeanor. Unlike McCain, the O'bama (still can't help meself) you saw before the campaign is the O'bama you saw after. He snuggles with his wife, is completely overjoyed when he looks at his kids, and believes in the "American Dream" with all his heart.

I happened to have the telly on ABC this morning, cause I love watching the ladies on The View. Sherrie started talking about telling her baby boy that he really had "no limitations"........ and she burst out in tears. Honest to God, no BS, tears. A lifetime of looking in a mirror and knowing that there were things she wasn't allowed to do ...... gone in wake of a country that realized another step on the way to its potential. Whoopi Goldberg said she finally felt like she could put her suitcases down, that she belonged.

I have said it before. For all its warts and pimples, this country has been one of the great experiments in the history of this big, blue marble. But for all it has meant, this has been done using only 40% of its braintrust. Now, in the wake of Clinton and O'bama, imagine how much it can achieve using all of its talent.

I pity you your jaded view, Will. I wish it were not so, and just maybe this next period will lift it from you. We need you to feel the hope.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:04 PM

Show of hands - did ANYONE read more than two sentences of Lepus Rex's ramblings?

It must be tough to be you Will. I'm sure you have your reasons, but the rest of the world is moving on.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:21 PM

I think I read about 3 or 4 lines of it, Ron, and skipped to the end. My reaction was similar to yours, I figure...a shrug and a smile. Heck, I'm much too happy with what has occurred to get into backbiting political arguments today.

I've sure never felt "guilty about slavery". Not even slightly. I have absolutely no reason to feel guilty about slavery. But I guess some people feel that way. Well, I hope they all get over it soon. It must be quite a mental burden to carry, all that unearned guilt.

What I can't stand is injustice, and I don't give a toot what form it takes or who was doing it to whom....injustice is plain to see.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:27 PM

I hope they get a standard sized poodle...'bout time a Big Dog was in the White House and they are really smart and lovable!{g}

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:27 PM

Will:

That was a beautifully written piece of misanthropy; very funny, but wholly misplaced. Your defense screens are glowing into the violet bands, flickering and threatening to crash.

It's a pity a talent like yours does not reside in a more discerning being.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Gervase
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 02:42 PM

Well said, Mick. I know cynicism is going to creep back round the corner before long but, for now, let's give hope a chance. Obama's speech this morning was terrific - inspiring but honest - and he acknowledges that there are no quick fixes out there, and that a lot of healing needs to be done.
That seems to be acknowledged across the spectrum, from McCain's statesmanlike concession speech, Condoleeza Rice's warm comments and even to Bush's bumbled words (I never thought I use the words 'statesmanlike' and 'Bush' in the same sentence, but the times they are a-changing...). If even Obama's polar opposites can find god words at this time, then surely others can drop the cynicism just for a while. Wait for the guy to fuck up before aiming the first kick, please. And may it be a long wait.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 03:14 PM

Right on, Gervase.

Kat, I'm thinking they should get a dachshund. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 03:46 PM

You would, LH!{g}

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:02 PM

The smooth black and tan ones look particularly svelte, and they have these incredibly cute little golden tan accent spots above their soulful brown eyes. That's what I'd go for if I was choosing the presidential dog.

However, I expect Barack's young daughters will get the deciding vote on this matter.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Azizi
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:07 PM

While Barack Obama's victory can be and should be seen as a huge,important leap toward a nation & a world where a person isn't judged negatively because of his or her race, in my opinion, his win is much more than that.

To quote:

[Obama's winning]"is a rejection of the "center-right" meme. This is a rejection of supply side economics. This is a rejection of the policies that have helped Big Oil, Wall Street, cronies and those who don't need (or deserve) it. This is a call for change, as wel all know. This is a call for basic affordable healthcare for all. This is a call for an end to the aggressive and stupid foreign policy. This is a call to help, not hurt, the middle class. This is an overwhelming cry to get this country back on track here at home as well as abroad. This is a call to better educate our children, fix our infrastructure and most importantly, toss out the failed conservative agenda that has plagued us for the past 30+ years.

This was a call to take our country back. And while this is the first in a long series of potentially painful steps, make no mistake:

The country has spoken.


Loud and clear.


This was more than a "mandate for change". This was an electoral bloodbath. A new beginning for new policies and a new agenda. This was a drubbing. An all out smackdown - a rout.


Our guy(s) won, and they won big. Very big.


But their guy (and "lady") lost. Their ideology lost. Their fearmongering and hatemongering lost. Their lying and selfish behavior lost.

Badly.

We can be gracious - we SHOULD be gracious (for the most part, since some deserve what they deserve), but don't ever let them forget how decisive this victory was.


And more important, precisely what this decisive victory was all about."

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/5/785/54389/1019/653939
If 2004 was a "mandate", this was a complete @$$ kicking.
by clammyc
Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 04:22:25 AM PST

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Gervase
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:10 PM

Dachsund? But what about all those stairs in the White House?
Jack Russell, surely.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:18 PM

Nah, Azizi, m'luv. Let's just gloat a bit, 'K? Then we will get on with it.... ***chuckle***. Here is what I said on the matter back on Oct. 16:

McCain belongs to a different era. His time has come and gone. And the proof will be on November 4. On November 5, I intend to wake up, gloat, spend a few days rubbing salt in the wounds of those that supported the opposition, ........ and then join in with President Obama and get about the people's business. We have an economy to rescue, we have relationships in the world to rebuild, and our actions affect the lives of many more in this world than just us. I believe this young man, Barack Obama, will be a transcendent political figure. I believe he will give all he has to restoring our country to its place as a respected member/partner/leader in the world community. And I believe he will lead a move to get us back on the track of progressive movement towards a better, more perfect (not perfect but more perfect), union.


All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 04:42 PM

I hope you guys aren't suggesting that my last post was anything but an honest and sincere account of my change of heart this morning. :(

And to those of you who didn't bother to read more than two sentences of it, three words: sustainable teakwood bifocals. Your loss.

---Will

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 05:11 PM

Get yourself a dachshund, man. Everything will seem brighter in no time. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 05:22 PM

"Dachshunds with elections" - yes, that makes sense.

But I think a Golden Retriever might be the best choice.
...................

Someone pointed out in a letter to thr Guardian the other day that, if you write OBAMA backwards, you get "AMABO", which is the Latin for "I will love".

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:07 PM

Tried to post this this morning, but my ISP conked out for some reason -- then I had to get to work. Anyway...

I've been voting in presidential elections since 1972, and that year, I'm very sorry to say, I didn't vote because I was in the middle of moving from Massachusetts to Maine, and didn't get an absentee ballot in Massachusetts. (But Massachusetts went against Nixon anyway, thank goodness!).

I've voted in every presidential election (and almost all other elections) since -- and this is only the SECOND time I've voted for a presidential candidate who actually won!

(In case you're curious, in 1976 I voted Socialist Workers -- Peter Comejo and Willie Mae Reid -- instead of Democratic. So I've already voted for a woman and a person of color at the top of the ticket.)

I, too, am glad this painfully extended campaign is finally over. And Repaire is right -- back to work!!! We've got a LOT of work to do to fix the mess(es) the Bush administration has gotten us into.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:09 PM

While you all are congratulating things:

The Boise Basin Library Prevails

Today is a great day for our community in Idaho City. After years of discord from a group calling themselves The Citizens for Reasonable Taxation the voters cast their ballots yesterday and showed 3 to 1 in favor of the Boise Basin Library District. There were 396 votes to dissolve the district and 1,650 not to dissolve.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:34 PM

I am very glad that Obama won. But, and again to look on the dark side, I remember rejoicing when the UK finally, finally, got shot of Tory misrule. How did our saviour from the heritage of that woman turn out?

Tony Blair.


Wake screaming at 3 am.


I hope this nightmare does not replay.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 06:46 PM

Well, you just never know, do you? One has to cross one's fingers, hope for the best, and wait and see what they do once they're elected.

We'll find out soon enough, I expect.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:25 PM

Schmachshunds. Obama should just clone my dog, damn it.

And to be serious for a moment, I wanted to mention that my story was intended to be light hearted fun. At the expense of all you "Obama is the new Jesus" hippies, to be sure, but there wasn't anything... "bitter" about it. Honest. What could I be bitter about? Nader not winning? Eh... no. And Obama's victory is to me irrelevant, as would have been his loss. It was Coke or Pepsi for a man who drinks nothing but tea. (Although I did enjoy the footage of sad Republicans with big, greasy tears rolling down their jowls.)

Not that I don't stand by the sentiments behind the post, because I do. I honestly don't think Obama is the great man most of you poor rubes think he is, and I fear that you'll all be sorely disappointed in the next four years. I hope I'm wrong, of course, and that I find out he was just fucking around with those near-right positions on gay marriage, the death penalty, Israel, and so on. (That's right, hope, Mick!) But I seriously doubt it. Do any of you not? Really? Look at his positions, and tell me that, if the same positions were held by a white Republican from Mississippi named Zeke Hogg, or something... tell me that you'd be just as enthusiastic about him.

Congratulations to you, though, Obama-people. Truly. It's really very cute when you're all happy. :)

---Will

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: van lingle
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:49 PM

These sentiments have probably been expressed up the thread but I feel so much better about America and it's future today. We embraced a message of hope and turned away from a message of fear and we chose a black person as our president. Wow!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:52 PM

Lepus Rex, your story was a dandy and very funny actually. Thank Barack that you've been shriven by the rainbow unicorns, say I. Join us now and, really, you'll feel much better soon. They all resist at first, but soon they realize, it's all for the best.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 07:58 PM

Yeah, yeah. You can keep your Kool-Aid, dude. Oh... is that grape?

---Will

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:03 PM

There, there. Of course it's grape. It's just like your Mom used to make back during the Kennedy Administration.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:26 PM

"Yes, we did" - but that's a slogan for a day. "Yes we can" is more than that - as Obama said in that speech last night "This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change."

And even if it did turn out that Obama was to be the same kind of disappointment that Tony Blair was - and I've got a feeling he won't - that shouldn't be the end of it, because there are millions of people out there with the strength to make "Yes we can" a reality.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:32 PM

Okay, Lepus. ;-) You did come up with some pretty amusing stuff there, quite a creative bit of writing, but I wasn't quite sure what the emotional drive behind it all was...it's hard to tell sometimes when you can't see the person's facial expressions or hear the tone in their voice.

Obama has raised some huge expectations in people. I see no way he can meet them all. If he gets 1/3 of the way there, I'll be happy.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:45 PM

Hi Kids: AMERICA! God I love this country...One day you have to ride in the back of the bus, the next, you can send a cruise missile up somebody's Azz...

But seriously folks, who could not be touched by what all this means? To be judged by your character and not your color...

A message was sent to blacks, ethnics, minorities, etc. that not only can you be in the game, but you can actually win it.

I only wish that Dr. King, Abraham Lincoln, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Rosa Parks, J.F.K., Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Sammy Davis Jr., B.B. King, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and thousands of others could have been there. And, in a way, I suppose they were...

A great day for the 'ol U.S.A.(And, of course, the World...)

Let us pray/HOPE for Mr. Obama that no harm comes his way, and that he be protected and guided by the Creator...

Holding back the tears over here...
Peace/bob

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:49 PM

Will:

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Rowan
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:14 PM

Here in Oz, I'm really pleased. I have had my doubts about the way politics works, both here and there, and the doubts multiplied during the last phases of the campaign. But most of those doubts are now replaced by a sense of hope, for y'all as well as for the way that the US can now be respected around the world.

The sense of relief, others' as well as my own, when Obama was declared the winner was palpable. McCain's concession speech was remarkable; "gracious" doesn't do it justice. And Obama's was truly inspiring. Cynical idealist that I am, there were tears lurking behind my eyes as his cadences rolled out.

The "Yes we did!" is all very well and a superb achievement, for all the reasons mentioned above but, to me, the really important mantra is "Yes we can!" If the sense of that can be maintained and acted on, it won't just be the US that ends up a better place.

Congratulations to youse all.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Don Firth
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:56 PM

As the votes continue to be counted (although it's pretty well done and almost all races have been decided, locally there are a few absentee ballots that are still being counted), I have noted that for the first time in a decade or so, all of the candidates I voted for have won!! In fact, with the exception of one King County proposition about which I was ambivalent and voted against, everything I voted for won and everything I voted against was defeated.

Probably the nastiest campaign in Washington State was waged by Dino Rossi, Republican, challenging the incumbent governor, Christine Gregoire. Last night, ABC, NBC. CBS, and the Associated Press declared Gregoire the winner, but Rossi refused to concede. Finally, this afternoon, he did. His concession sounded a bit like one of his political speeches, but he did manage to congratulate her on her victory, and said, through gritted teeth, that he would pray for her.

On the east side of Lake Washington, the race between Democrat Darcy Burner, running for Congress against three term Republican incumbent Dave Reichert, is still too close to call. I hope Burner takes it, but it's not in my legistlative district, so I couldn't vote on that one.

From most of the news I've heard today—the response from all over the world, and learning that there was dancing in the streets not only here in Seattle (in addition to the huge crowd at the Pike Place Market, some 4,000 people just a few blocks from where I live here on Capitol Hill), but all over the country—I'm feeling pretty good. We may make it after all!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:19 PM

"Obama Country
ByDaniel Politi
Posted Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, at 6:44 AM ET

The polls were right. Barack Hussein Obama easily cruised to victory last night and made history by becoming the country's first African-American president. The first-term senator from Illinois was elected the 44th president by beating John McCain in the key states that the candidates had spent months battling over, including Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, which voted for a Democrat for the first time since 1964. A few states are still too close to call, but a preliminary tally gave Obama 349 electoral votes to McCain's 144, far more than the 270 needed to win the White House. Democrats also won big in the congressional races, even as they appeared to fall short of the dream 60-vote majority in the Senate. In all, Democrats picked up five Senate seats with four key races still undecided and were on the path to pick up as many as 20 House seats.

All the papers mention the historic aspect of Obama's candidacy in their banner headlines. USA Today points out that a mere "four decades ago, when Obama was 4 years old, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act to ensure blacks can vote." The Los Angeles Times calls Obama's victory "a leap in the march toward equality." The Washington Post points out that Obama is the first Democrat since Jimmy Carter to win more than 50 percent of the popular vote. The Wall Street Journal notes Obama is the first northern Democrat to be elected president since John F. Kennedy in 1960. The New York Times says the election amounted to "a national catharsis--a repudiation of a historically unpopular Republican president and his economic and foreign policies, and an embrace of Mr. Obama's call for a change in the direction and the tone of the country." " (Slate)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: irishenglish
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:40 PM

Um...guest Bob above. BB King? Not dead yet!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Beer
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:47 PM

Your right irishenglish. B.B. King is alive and kicking at 83.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Gulliver
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 12:31 AM

Congrats, USA, you did yourselves proud! Everybody very happy over here--just hope O'Bama (err, I mean Obama) comes over here to visit us sometime! Don

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:09 AM

irishenglish: Who said anything about being dead? Like me, I just wished he could have been there...
You ASSUME that because one name is listed among those who are no longer with us, that that person is dead? PIFFLE! That's one thing that Mr. Obama MUST address... THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM! (Ya know I'm just rattling your cage, irishenglish? HA HA <:))

All the names there bubbled up from inside as people who had dealt with issues of race & injustice.
You remember the interview with B.B. when he talks about going into a club with white folks for the first time? I believe it was referring to Don Graham in the 60's. They circled the block looking for the blues club and when they saw white 20 somethings circling the block, they thought they were in the wrong place, then Don comes out and says, " Hey B! This is it! You got the right place. Come on in..."BR

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:31 AM

NIcholas Kristoph wrtites movingly of tyhe impact of this election:

"When my father was driven from his home in Eastern Europe in World War II, he initially settled in France. But France offered no opportunity to impoverished refugees, so my father sought better prospects for himself and his descendents by moving on to an Oregon logging camp to begin to learn English and start a new life. What lured him was not the real estate of America, but the idea of America.

We Americans have periodically betrayed that idea of equality and opportunity, but on Tuesday evening we powerfully revitalized it. I invited people to post their thoughts on Barack Obama's election on my blog, nytimes.com/ontheground, and the result was an outpouring from every nook of the globe.

Jessica watched the results from a bar in Cape Town and wrote: "For the first time in recent memory, I can shout in the streets that I am American and be proud of the progress, hope and color that now define us."

In Switzerland, an American was bathed in compliments comparing the election to the fall of the Berlin Wall. An American in Kenya named Tom wore an Obama T-shirt and found that his walk to work took more than an hour because so many people stopped to congratulate him and celebrate with him.

An awed Tanzanian named Leonard wrote to say that this election has promoted democracy far more effectively than anything the United States could say or do. He ended: "Long live America."

And here in the United States, an 8-year-old boy announced on Wednesday morning his new career goal: He will be America's first Latino president.

The outpouring suggests that the United States will enjoy an Obama dividend of global good will in the coming months, a chance to hammer out progress on common threats. "Barack" means blessing in Swahili, and this election feels like America's great chance to rejoin the world after eight years of self-exile.

Mr. Obama's election may also be a political milestone, ending an era in which Republicans succeeded at winning votes from the working poor to cut taxes for billionaires. That was the Republican Party's great success over the last 40 years. Blue-collar Americans regularly voted like stockbrokers because they felt more at home with Republican traditional values.

Mr. Obama chipped away at this values divide, and that's why the United States will have its first Democratic president since John Kennedy who isn't from the South. Mr. Obama just may be able to stitch together a Democratic majority for years to come.

Still, Mr. Obama will soon have to prove himself. Remember that when Gordon Brown became the British prime minister last year, he was beloved for his reserve and cool competence — a demeanor a bit like Mr. Obama's, though without the eloquence. Within a few months, voters were calling for Mr. Brown's head.

One of Mr. Obama's challenges will be to harness the extraordinary idealism that he inspired in his campaign to a larger, national cause. My 11-year-old daughter toiled with her friends this fall to sell lemonade and cookies to raise money for Mr. Obama's campaign, all on their own initiative. On Election Day, my daughter was still selling Obama buttons in the street, and on election night, she flagrantly defied her bedtime rules to celebrate as history unfolded. Now she's ready to drop out of school — who needs algebra? — and become a community organizer.

The obvious way to institutionalize that kind of excitement is a national service program, not only for young people but also for graying baby boomers considering "encore careers."

Whatever the next step, it's worth savoring this historic vista. First, look backward at a long-forgotten horror. In 1958, a little white girl in North Carolina innocently kissed a 9-year-old black friend named Hanover on the cheek. The police arrested the boy, along with his 7-year-old companion, and a court sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment for attempted rape. (After publicity, the boy was eventually released.)

Considering that past, perhaps the most incisive comment on Mr. Obama's election actually came long ago. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the Hawaii Legislature in 1959, two years before Mr. Obama was born in Honolulu, and declared that the civil rights movement aimed not just to free blacks but "to free the soul of America."

Mr. King ended his Hawaii speech by quoting a prayer from a preacher who had once been a slave, and it's an apt description of the idea of America today: "Lord, we ain't what we want to be; we ain't what we ought to be; we ain't what we gonna be, but, thank God, we ain't what we was."

---

Yas, yas---thank Gawd we ain't what we was.

I am proud of this nation.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:36 AM

Rosa Parks sat
in 1955.
Martin Luther King walked
in 1963.
Barack Obama ran
in 2008,
            That our children might fly.




Anon. quoted by Roger Cohen, NYT 11-5-08

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 09:50 AM

Good article, Amos, although I'd compeltely disagree about the Gordon Brown bit. We didn't vote for him, he's not 'beloved'. He lost thousands of people their pensions. A bad leader from the start, methinks, and he's only there because Tony Blair stood down.

I love that quote though about Rosa, Martin and Barack, that's wonderful!


From the UK's 'Independent' newspaper, today, which is carrying THIRTY SIX uplifting, filled with hope, pages about what has happened.

OK, here's the article that I loved the best:

By Baratunde Thurston


"I cannot stop crying. I am stunned. Barack Hussein Obama is the next president of the United States of America, and I cannot stop crying. America closed the deal. Yes, we did. It is hard to focus right now. My mind travelling sporadically through space and time. Large moments and small are mixing.

I am in South Dallas, Texas, being hugged by the elderly black election judge I met during the primaries. I am six years old and have just learned to swim. I am cheering with my Dominican barbers. I am being called a nigger by white chldren on a camping trip in my youth. I am standing on Goree Island in Senegal, the final resting place of my ancestors and the birth place of my own possibility.

I am shaking Barack Obama's hand in August 2006, I am trembling at my mother's bedside, moments after she passed away in October 2005. I am exhausted. I am restless. I am America.

This is happening. We shook the world. We won. Last night, at five past 11, a collective roar made its way across living rooms and restaurants and the streets of cities and towns. Strangers sought each other out to hug one another and share in this moment.

At my own watch party, chants of "Yes, we can!" gave way to chants of "Holy Shit!", and the transformational nature of the moment was sealed when I gave my New York City cab-driver an Obama button and he gave me a free ride.

And what a ride this has been. The manner of this campaign is as important as its ultimate outcome. Grassroots organising met peer-to-peer networked technologies, learned from old school campaigning and was remixed through new school art. And it won. We won! Our new president. Our new president, Barack Hussein Obama truly represents us, America and the world.

He is Kenya and Hawaii. He is Chicago and Kansas, and through his gifts, his timing and his good fortune, we have risen to a great occasion. This campaign was a fire that forged a president and a people, and we have emerged stronger for the trial. It is not simply that we chose an African American or a Democrat for our first post-baby-boom leader, although those are all significant milestones.

It is not simply that we chose a communicator and scholar and a man who so clearly demonstrates family values,through the love and respect he shows his wife and daughters, although these too are significant milestones. It is not simply that we chose, but also that we rejected.

We rejected smears and race-baiting and Muslim-baiting and desperation. We rejected so much history and so many rules that have bound us to the way things have been, are supposed to be. We rejected fear. Most importantly, we rejected fear.

Our better angels prevailed for one critical moment which can and will change forever the moments to follow. We said resoundingly that we are not afraid. We are not afraid of the world out there. We are not afraid of ourselves.

In rejecting that fear, we have shed something awful, at least for a time, and in so doing we have liberated ourselves. I am still crying, but they are tears of possibility for all that we are free to do and free to be.

Yes, we did."

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 01:05 PM

AP: Obama wins North Carolina

Posted by Scott Helman, Political Reporter

November 6, 2008 12:25 PM
Barack Obama's big victory on Tuesday just keeps getting bigger.

The Associated Press is now giving the president-elect North Carolina, too, concluding that there are not enough uncounted ballots left for John McCain to overcome Obama's lead. The win in North Carolina gives Obama a whopping 364 Electoral College votes, with Missouri the only state that's too close to call.

The victory in North Carolina adds yet another solidly red state to Obama's column. His success in the Tar Heel State, as well as his wins in Indiana and Virginia, are a remarkable achievement. No Democratic candidate has won North Carolina since Jimmy Carter in 1976; Indiana and Virginia last voted for a Democrat in 1964.

So Obama has not just redrawn the map. He's printed an entirely new one."
(AP)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: DougR
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 01:20 PM

I can't wait to read the Mudcatter's posts when it is discovered that Obama cannot walk on water.

Congratulations to all of you who have worked so diligently to get Obama elected. I hope you are not disappointed, and I'm sure you are confident that you will not be.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:09 PM

Walking on water is old hat, Doug.{g} What he's already done is transformed people's hearts, all over the world. All you have to do is listen to the news and read the messages coming in.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:10 PM

DougR - I don't think anyone is suggesting that Obama can walk on water. The stark difference is that Obama is so far removed from clown that currently occupies the White House that the mere fact that he can construct a simple sentence is a 100% improvement.

Unlike you conservatives, we challenge our elected officials and hold them to higher standards. You can be sure that Obama will screw up, and he will be held accountable. The right has a nasty habit of pointing fingers the other way and deflecting criticism, but the left will shoulder the blame and move on.

Join the rest of the world. Together, we can make difference. If you maintain the division, you are only a roadblock.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:13 PM

"And to those of you who didn't bother to read more than two sentences of it, three words: sustainable teakwood bifocals. Your loss."

I read it, all, Will. I also read your Myspace page. And I read it with my non-sustainable plastic contact lenses in. :0)

It took me right back, back to a cold, frosty night, a few years ago now.

I was sitting in The Manor Pavillion Theatre, in Sidmouth. On stage were Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, Show of Hands, in case you've not heard of their 'official name'. Steve introduced the next song, 'I Promise You' It's a song about so often having to endure hardship, before you find beauty. George Bush and Tony Blair had recently been voted in for a second time, and many around the world were stunned, shocked, and disbelieving, with a sense of deep dread about what lay ahead for the world.

Steve talked about it, saying that we had four more years of winter to endure, but we'd get through it, and at the end of that four years, the light would come back..

"..I promise you light returning
I promise you hope re-born
I promise you gentle mornings
I promise you new dawns
But first, we must bear the winter..." - (taken from 'I Promise You, by Steve Knightley)

The light, at least in the USA, has come back, and I've a feeling that pretty soon, they'll be sending a few beams out across the world. The hope has been re-born for millions, of all colours, of all backgrounds. All now feeling that they are part of the same 'family'.   

Over here in the UK, there are, at present, no lights to be seen. We are still in our Darkness and our Winter. But eventually, the light will return to us as well, as The Age Of Integrity begins to awaken all of those who for so long have turned away.

Barack Obama sang his own Song of Hope yesterday, using his own words. Those words came from his heart, not from a script, or a pile of cue cards, hastily put together to create 'impact', but straight from his heart, and his intelligent mind. He has a very hard road to go down, and he goes down it knowing that he has the hopes of millions on his shoulders, an incredibly heavy weight to carry. He'll find though, that those same millions will be walking that road with him, because this man has the ability to inspire, to lead, to connect, to understand, but most of all, he has the power to care. And so, that weight won't be quite as heavy as he imagines.

History will walk beside him, every step of the way, and he knows that.

You, Will, have a wonderful talent for writing, but you so often use your words in bitterness or sarcasm. It removes their power. You have the power to inspire too, if only you'd realise that. You've been given a gift. Use it wisely and it will bring you much light. Use it to belittle or abuse, and it will only bring darkness and pain.

There is much happiness out here in the world right now, alongside much hope. Ride with it, put that hope into *your* heart too, along with a determination so strong, to change this world around, that nothing will make you step off that path.

Barack Obama is about hope. He is about all of US realising that 'WE are the ones we have been waiting for.' He cannot do it alone, and he knows that. He needs us all, as we need him.

"I will never forget who this victory belongs to: it belongs to you" (Barack Obama addressing his people on the 4th November 2008)


So, write your socks off, Will...but do it with love, integrity and honour.

I Promise You that Yes, You Can!


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:16 PM

Darn it, I forgot the link to the song! :0)

'I Promise You' by Show of Hands - on Youtube

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:25 PM

By the way - it is not Obama that is walking on water, it is the American public. WE are the ones who have a feeling that our opinions count again. WE are the ones rejoicing that an election wasn't stolen from us yet again but won outright. WE are the ones who feel encouraged that WE can make a difference. Obama is a catalyst, not a saviour. He is opening doors for us, doors that were slammed in our faces by a government that only fed itself. WE are happy because WE have a chance again.

Yes WE can.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:28 PM

NPR's program Talk of the Nation is Talk of the World, today, taking calls from around the world, as well as talking with Bishop Desmond Tutu, about Obama's win and what they expect from his presidency. It is inspiring and can be heard, online, after 3p today: Click Here

TODAY: Talk of the Nation becomes Talk of the World as listeners from around the globe weigh in on the U.S. election. Worldwide listeners, we want to hear from you: Call 202-513-2008

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 02:44 PM

DOug,

No, we do not ask or expect him to walk on anything of the sort. We expect him to wade in shit, stacked up all across the American landscape by the unconscionable errors of those whom you put in office and supported. We expect him to do so with conscience, intelligence, clear-eyed discrimination, and honesty. That is why we elected him--because we were being starved of those qualities in our public life.

Put your flinty screens aside and relax. He is your President, also. He will make a positive differemce, with the help of Americans of good will. Be one.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 03:27 PM

I noticed someone whistling cheerfully as I was walking around today, and realised it was me, and then I remembered why.

It's a bit like having a bad tooth removed, or when you've got a ear infection, and the antibiotic starts to kick in, and the world just feels a better place.

And if I'm feeling like that over in England, I can't really imagine how people in the States must be feeling. Not everyone of course - I'm aware that Doug isn't alone, what with 46 percent of voters (and 55 per cent of male voters) having gone for McCain. I think McCain's concession speech showed the right way for them to take Obama's victory, as something to celebrate even while regretting it.

But I predict that within a few years, when the pollsters ask how people voted, a whole bunch of McCain voters are, quite sincerely, going to "remember" how they voted for Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Maryrrf
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:11 PM

I think you got that right, Kevin! There's a feeling here that a dark cloud has been lifted. There's a different feeling in the air. Our office is right across from what was a McCain Palin campaign office. They had a huge military vehicle painted in camoflouge with "McCain/Palin" in big letters outside their door. It sure felt good to see them taking it down.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:24 PM

I noted with interest, the morning after the vote, that here at work even those who had supported Barak Obama most passionately during the battle were not whooping it up after the election was over. Their battle won, they were not acting like football fans whose team had won a game, but more like courafeous, dignified troops who were glad to learn they had made a beachhead, and instead of a drunken or bacchanalian attitudem what permeated the halls was a quiet, intense, responsible happiness, of people shouldering their responsibilities with pleasure and satisfaction that they were free to do so.

It was an unusual feeling, but a deep and honest one.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:42 PM

Possibly some of them might have been a bit exhausted after a bit of a "drunken or bacchanalian" episode the night before.

To adjust Teddy Roosevelt's words, there are times when it is necessary to "walk carefully, and feel a bit sick"...

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: InOBU
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 04:51 PM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorcanotway/3005410710/

As a comment to the above photo (link above)titled "Yes We Did", I recieved the following and replied as follows...

Bruce Thomas Benda said: Why do WE need to redouble OUR commitment? I thought you all voted for this guy because you thought he has it covered. Even though we don't have a great understanding how. Just the HOPE. Why would God send someone who won't fight for helpless unborn babies or that supports gays or associates with a killer and PLO supporter. Not very Godly. I was just wondering. Nice photo though.

Well, Bruce:
No one has it all covered. As the son of a former coal miner, I hope President Obama will learn that there is no such thing as clean coal, and as a Quaker, I hope he learns that fear and the word enemy are related, and as Jesus reminded us, the way to perfect love is to abandon fear, and stop making war.

But, the world is not about absolutes. When we assign to God our own political beliefs and prejudices, though it might be a wonderful rhetorical device, after all, who can argue with God?! It does put God in a much smaller box than the infinite nature God must choose to be. In short, a God who can be quoted is hardly likely to be God at all.

This does not mean God does not speak to all -- in that still small voice, ever present voice of love. I am not sure that God does not love gay people or the PLO, anymore than God once allowed a world where people of Obama's complexion were once held in slavery. After the events of September 11, an Innu friend of mine sent me a letter reminding me that God sends these things to teach us to fly, not as a punishment.

What we do in the darkness of pain, such as that caused by the struggles of Israelis and Palestinians leads us to love and light, or fear and loss. To respond to the darkness of fear with violence digs the hole of revenge deeper and deeper, no matter which side you feel calls you to justice. War never seems to me to have been an answer, it always seemed to me to have been the problem expressed.

It is not an easy thing to live our faith, what ever that faith may be. It is not easy to face our fears with love, to grow towards those who cause us pain. Religious faith and politics are remarkably hard to juggle together. We Quakers turned away from that attempt after our failed attempt at a theocratic state, in the Pennsylvania colony. We found that politics is seldom about truth, it is about power.

I am very fond of your photos as well, they share a great deal of light.
Finally, a unified nation, like a unified family of God, does not mean one where we all see things the same, just that we eat at the same table, and feed each other.

In the light of God who loves us all
lor

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 05:30 PM

Thanks for that, Larry.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: annamill
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 08:58 PM

Hi Everyone; Congratulations to us! Let me start by saying that I feel this is one of the most memorable times in the history of our country. I feel the change from Bush is to be celebrated as well as the choice we have made for our leader.

Now, I can't help but wonder, reading these posts, if perhaps we are putting too much hope upon Barach's shoulders. He will be the President of these United States, but he is not all powerful. In their wisdom our forefathers put stops and guards in our government to be sure no one person could have his way but that all views and ideals would be included. This includes big business, oil companies, etc. as well as we small people that need to be watched and cared for.

One of my fears ( and I did have my fears ) while supporting Obama was his lack of experience in dealing with the "politicians" of the world. It worried me a bit.

Will he want to be accepted by his peers and perhaps listen to the wrong advice along the way? Make a bad choice for our country that is motivated by wanting to do what he feels is right? Will the rest of our government allow him to do the wonderful things he has promised? Especially the "Changes" he wants to make?

Well, here's hoping.

There is no doubt in my mind we did the right thing by bringing in Obama. I feel it would be certain that the "experience" held by McCain is not the type of experience we need right now.

I'm not sure where this quote comes from, maybe someone here will know.

"It has been said that, regarding the presidency, "the office makes the man. ...".

Our future president has a challenge ahead of him. I think he will be fine.

Love, Annamill

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: kendall
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 09:14 PM

Dancing in the streets? They have never done that for any other election. Are they all mad?

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 09:28 PM

No, just glad beyond words.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 09:28 PM

That sort of thing happens when a hated despot's time finally comes to an end. ;-) (but Bush won't actually leave until Jan 20th...so it's anticipatory joy that made them dance).

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ron Davies
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 10:47 PM

It's also a very strange sensation to actually vote for somebody because you actually like him or her, not because the candidate is the lesser of two evils. (It also helps that your man won).

A lot of us are pretty enthusiastic this time.

Now we just have to temper it a bit with realism--that politics is "the art of the possible".

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Peace
Date: 06 Nov 08 - 11:49 PM

Good friend from California just wrote. He said, "It feels really strange to have voted for the winner." (He and I worked the Oregon and California 'McCarthy campaign' together.) I have felt Obama would win for over a year now--or thereabouts. I tend to thing well of the American people and I think they have seen the light at last. It will be difficult for the Republicans for 12-16 years, but they brought it on themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:23 AM

Lorcan, thank you for that.

In Peace Profound,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:34 AM

I found the unicorns and the rainbows bloody hilarious.

I am delighted that Obama was elected, and am, like many others, full of hope. But like many others, I've been disappointed in the past: Labour's first few months in office, after I'd spent afternoons wheeling my daughter's pushchair round in the pissing-down rain to deliver leaflets for them, made me feel so angry and politically disenfranchised that I flirted with joining the SWP. Little did I know that there was far worse to come, and that refusing to move away from Tory disaters such as university tuition fees, PPPs and the Millennium Dome would be the least of their sins.

Like Obama, New Labour represented an active turning away from a certain set of values and a turning towards something new and dynamic. Of course, it all proved to be smoke and mirrors, and some of us that had misgivings about the direction New Labour was taking still believed in a funny way that they were only playing down certain key Labour values because this made the party more electable in a post-Thatcher political climate, and once they got in we'd see a few more flashes of red. But of course, we were deluded. They'd already sold their souls; the Clause IV moment had happened. Elvis had left the building.

So why do I feel hopeful now? Maybe I'm like Charlie Brown with the football, but it's certainly more than the colour of Obama's skin. True, a number of his policies are more to the right than i'd like, but America, where socialism is still a dirty word, generally is a far more right-wing country than Britian. But Obama talks about wealth redistribution, and gets elected! For me, this is a monumental shift for the America I know. I have relatives who have always believed that personal philanthropy is a better social system than the welfare state - that people should be free to choose how much they wish to contribute to the common good, rather than have that choice forced upon them by government. These are also people who perceive qualities in a presidential candidate such as education, worldliness and erudition as "too European". But they are also people whose kids are going into jobs without decent healthcare benefits, and who are unable to get mortgages, and they are scared. I think they voted for Obama because they think he might have some answers to those problems. This, in itself, represents an important ideological shift: ordinary Americans have realised that the free market doesn't hold all the answers.

As a socialist, do I think Obama represents my views? No, I don't. But do I think that he has the potential to effect significant social change in a country like America? Well, let's just say I hope so.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 07:21 AM

I just now had one of those moments when the enormity of a thing kind of sinks in in a new way.

I was doing something online (can't remember what now), that caused me to suddenly realize that after Obama is in ofice, I won't constantly feel that I am being spied on by my government. I won't feel that my government sees me and people who think like me (those of us who believe in the Constitution and in democracy) as the enemy. What a beautiful feeling. Whoever it was who compared this election with the Berlin wall coming down... I agree with them.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:34 AM

"but America, where socialism is still a dirty word, generally is a far more right-wing country than Britian. But Obama talks about wealth redistribution, and gets elected!"

Ruth, I think you are being manipulated by the media. If you look at sheer numbers, American would have to be "more" right wing than Britain, but if you compared percentages I am sure that we are about the same, if not more liberal.

Socialism is a dirty word around here, just like liberal, ONLY because the definitions are different between the two countries. Socialism and liberalism is equated to communism by the wacko conservatives in this country, but if you look at our system of government and services - there is more socialism at work than most people realize.

Carol - I think your last post is a feeling most of us share, but I caution that we cannot let down our guard.   As Ruth pointed out, Obama represents an opportunity for social change - but one man is not going to change everything. There are too many operations and policies in place that cannot be changed overnight. Just look at what happened in California with Proposition 8. There is work to be done and attitudes to change, and our freedoms are still at risk.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:53 AM

I agree that we have to continue to be a part of the process. I am encouraged by the fact that Obama and Biden have included a link in their new website where people can submit their own ideas about what we want for the country. But, as I have said on another thread, Obama and the new Congress will need the public to continue to apply pressure. They will need that support if they are to do the bidding of the people rather than that of the special interest lobbies.

Nevertheless, I do feel a sense of liberation, and I don't think it's misplaced.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:19 AM

"Colin Powell did not dance for joy over Obama's victory; he wept.

"Look what we did. Look what we did," he said, puffy-faced, red-eyed, fighting back more tears on CNN. "He's won. It's over."

David Dinkins was similarly solemn. "Things do change. There is a God. They do get better," said the mayor who presided over New York City at a time of toxic racial tensions.

Obama, too, resisted giddy gladness on Tuesday night. But he did proclaim an end to the world as we've known it for far too long.

"To those who would tear the world down: we will defeat you," he promised. "This is our moment. This is our time."

The glory of Barack Obama is that there are so many different kinds of us who can claim a piece of that "our." African-Americans, Democrats, post-boomers, progressives, people who rose from essentially nowhere and through hard work and determination succeeded beyond their parents' wildest dreams are the most obvious.

But there are also people who respect intelligence and good grammar. People who see their spouse as their "best friend," as Barack called Michelle on Tuesday night. People whose children have the same knowing look as Sasha and Malia, who are probably more excited about their puppy than about their father's presidency. "

Two images will forever stay in my mind to mark this epoch-breaking election day. One is that of Jesse Jackson's face, drenched in tears, in Chicago's Grant Park on Tuesday evening.

And the other is a photo that ran in The Times on Wednesday. In it, a black mother and daughter sit on the floor of a church in Harlem. The mother, Latrice Barnes, having heard of Obama's victory, is doubled up in tears; her daughter, Jasmine, is reaching a tentative hand up to soothe her. To me, she looks like the future, reaching out to heal the past."
From http://warner.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/title/ (Click to see the photo).

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:30 AM

Amos, you must be getting up very early. That's the second time this week I've come to post a link and you've beat me to it! I thought you all slept in in California?{G}

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:43 AM

Actually I am always up by 5, often by 4, and prefer to start my day learning the news.

Man, did Judith Warner capture the zeitgeist of this moment? I'll say! (I guess that is not exactly the word I am looking for but it will have to do...).


A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Alice
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 10:59 AM

If people in the UK are projecting what happened there with Tony Blair onto Obama, I think you need to realize that it is only that, a projection. Apples and oranges, we are different. Of course Obama will disappoint some, "You can't please all of the people all of the time".
But try to see what is happening over here without projecting your Blair experience onto it.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:06 AM

I dunno' why exactly but although I have respected much of what Jesse Jackson has done in his own right over the years, I have always thought that of those close to Martin, he was perhaps the least. As time passed and his accomplishments outdistanced those of others like Andrew Young, my repect for Jackson grew. As his role on the World Stage elevated and his ability became pretty clear, I had to eventually admit that he was a true leader and not a "pretender to the throne."

All the same, somewhere in the back of my mind there was some tiny smidgen of doubt and I could never fully shake the feeling he was a wannabee. Then the other night when the camera panned to him in the park with tears running down his face, for the first time ever I fully embraced Jesse Jackson and held him unequivocably in the respect he has truly earned. It was that shot of him more than any other that brought me to immediate tears of my own the other night.

My apologies Rev. Jackson for ever mistrusting you.

Again, as I said before, I have mostly felt that I always loved what America could be but hated what it was. A little after 11 PM on Tuesday, America lived up to her full potential.

Jesus, I hope it lasts awhile.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:19 AM

"Nevertheless, I do feel a sense of liberation, and I don't think it's misplaced. "

You are right - I share that feeling of liberation as well, is is certainly not misplaced!   We are exiting a bleak period of our nations history and their is great hope and optimism, but that is matched by the great work yet to be done!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 11:23 AM

Same thoughts here, Pat.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 02:13 PM

Amos, thanks for posting the excerpt from Judith Warner's piece (and the link). What a beautiful piece of writing!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: gnu
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 02:21 PM

"I hope it lasts a while."

Yes, indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:39 PM

President-elect Obama giving his first press conference. What a luxury it is to be able to listen to the person who is going to be our president and not cringe...

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/11/07/sot.obama.plan.cnn

The video is in segments. Other segments are below the video viewer.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 03:41 PM

If you watched his news conference a few minutes ago, you should feel reassured. He has lined up a solid team of economic advisors, is taking a measured approach, is not getting too far out front, all the while restating his goals and priorities. This young man is the type of person, and will be the type of President, that will demand of us to participate, share the heavy load, see the long term goal and the steps, and inspire us, all at the same time. I said, in these precincts, long ago that I thought he was a transcending political figure. Nothing I have seen in his demeanor, style, and methods dissuades me from that. I have not been so inspired to be a part of it in years.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 04:40 PM

"Actually I am always up by 5, often by 4, and prefer to start my day learning the news."- Amos

Hell, I've never seen you GO to bed before 4 or 5!

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:03 PM

I must admit, it was kind of nice to listen to a Presidential (well, almost) press conference, and afterwards not have an urge to drive to Texas and headbutt the first person I see wearing a cowboy hat. No fauxksy bullshit, no affected Texas twang, and no fucking smirking. Well, I was actually listening to it on the radio, so maybe he was smirking all ther while and I just didn't pick up on it. But it didn't sound like he was smirking. Which was refreshing.

So, if there's nothing else, there's that.

(Feel the positivity!!!)

---Will

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Alice
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:07 PM

Yes, no more cringing at Bush's poor grammar, smirking, newkewler, embarrassing incompetence.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:39 PM

And not have to listen to whatever idiotic message he was trying to promote, either.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:41 PM

Yay, Will! :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 05:54 PM

"Ruth, I think you are being manipulated by the media. If you look at sheer numbers, American would have to be "more" right wing than Britain, but if you compared percentages I am sure that we are about the same, if not more liberal.

Socialism is a dirty word around here, just like liberal, ONLY because the definitions are different between the two countries. Socialism and liberalism is equated to communism by the wacko conservatives in this country, but if you look at our system of government and services - there is more socialism at work than most people realize."

Hi Ron. I'm only speaking as I find. Please remember that I spent my first 23 years in America and the next 18 in the UK. I was once a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. This is a party that many of my family (white, working-class Catholics from NJ) saw as "extreme left", yet it embodied many policies that were not only mainstream, but actually a part of daily life in the UK: stuff like free healthcare. When I talk to my family about how I miss free university tuition, their jaws drop at the very suggestion that such a thing could even exist, and they are amazed whrn I tell them how little university place sstill cost here, largelythanks to government subsidy. And my conversation with one of my cousins about voluntary philanthropy vs the welfare state just last week demonstrated to me that there is still a huge gulf between what is accepted as mainstreamn policy in the UK and what would be considered pretty radical in America.

I know that there are left-wing people in America, and having lived in NJ, NY and Los Angeles, I met a fair few. I took part in my share of political action before I ever came to the UK, and met lots of liberal, free-thinking people. I'm a member of the Billy Bragg internet forum, where I meet numerous Americans who are very much on the same political spectrum as me. But my experience of growing up surrounded by "average Joes" suggests that these people are the exception rather than the rule.

Alice: read my post again. I am not projecting the Bliar experience onto Obama. That's my whole point.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 06:06 PM

Lonesome:

That's my EAST Coast schedule, man. That's why I have to adjust my metabolism so generously with your special soda pop. It's a major strain on the system!! :D



A

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: ragdall
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 06:59 PM

Congratulations, America!
This time you got it right.

Please cherish and protect that man and his family as if the future of America depends on it.

It does.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 07:24 PM

"there is still a huge gulf between what is accepted as mainstreamn policy in the UK and what would be considered pretty radical in America"

I'm sure if we sat down and discussed issues we would find that there are mainstream policies in the U.S. that would be considered radical as well, but your point is well taken.

As it seems you have come from what many would consider a radical point of view to begin with, perhaps the main issue is one of common ground.   We've become a diverse nation with a line that has been drawn deeper and deeper in the sand. The idea of change will start at the far sides, but the actual change will occur in the middle. That is one area we need to heal - an understanding of each other and the ability to listen. I'm afraid that has been lost as we become wrapped in our own ideals and less inclined to accept that others see things differently.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:07 PM

Here's the full version of the press conference...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27597527#27597527

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: CarolC
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:20 PM

I think the big difference between the UK, Canada, and the US in terms of "left" and "right" is where the line that defines the middle is drawn. From what I understand, the line that defines the middle in both the UK and Canada is significantly to the "left" of where it is in the US.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Janie
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 09:51 PM

Well said, Ron. Very well said.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 05:21 PM

"I think the big difference between the UK, Canada, and the US in terms of "left" and "right" is where the line that defines the middle is drawn. From what I understand, the line that defines the middle in both the UK and Canada is significantly to the "left" of where it is in the US."

I think that's well observed, Carol, and it's what I was trying to say. Ron, I might seem radical in the context of US politics, but until New Labour reared its head, my views were pretty much represented by one of the UK's 2 main political parties...that's the difference, I think.

In any case, I didn't want to piddle in anyone's cornflakes. At the end of the day, I think Obama's election represents a wonderful opportunity for both America and the rest of the world.

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 05:26 PM

"Radical" can mean right, left or centre. The Neo-Cons are (or should that be "were") radical. Whether they should be counted as being conservative is another matter, but they were definitely well to the right.

Being radical is about advocating trying to sort things out by going to the root of the problem and digging that out.

Sometimes that's what needs to be done. Sometimes it is the worst thing in the world. The Nazis were radical as they come...

Subject: RE: BS: Yes, We Did!!!---OBAMA WINS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 08 Nov 08 - 06:13 PM

"I might seem radical in the context of US politics, but until New Labour reared its head, my views were pretty much represented by one of the UK's 2 main political parties...that's the difference, I think"

Naturally it is a difference - you cannot compare the politics of both countries in those terms because of the different situations and the fact that the meanings are also different between countries. The histories of both countries and how they treated people are also a factor in where the "middle" appears to be. Both countries have made considerable progress, but there is still much work to be done in both. Racial relations in the UK are not very rosy from reports that we hear. Our own history is pretty evident as well, which makes the election of Obama seem that much more "liberal" considering that 40 years ago he would not have been allowed to vote in some parts of the country.

At the end of the day, there is no badge of honor to be worn for being "liberal" or "conservative". Discussing which country is more "liberal" is akin to pulling out a ruler and seeing whose is longer. Actions speak louder than figures.